What does "use of discretion" refer to in jail officer duties?

"Use of discretion" in the context of jail officer duties refers to the ability to make judgment calls based on the circumstances presented in a given situation. This means that jail officers are not required to apply rules and regulations in a rigid manner but can instead assess each situation individually and determine the most appropriate course of action.

For example, if an inmate presents a minor violation that can be resolved with a warning, the officer may choose to utilize discretion and issue a verbal reprimand rather than formal disciplinary action. This practice allows for a more nuanced approach to law enforcement within correctional facilities, promoting a balance between maintaining order and understanding individual circumstances.

In contrast, strictly enforcing all rules and regulations does not allow for flexibility or consideration of the specific context of an incident, which can lead to unnecessary escalation of situations. Observing inmate behavior and issuing minimum security protocols may be important aspects of an officer's responsibilities, but they do not encompass the broader concept of discretion in decision-making based on situational factors.